Archie Keith Kingsbury, 85, passed away January 1, 2025 at the Custer Care Center and Rehab on Hospice Care in Custer SD.

Archie was born at home during a blizzard on October 29, 1939, to Archie Searl and Geneva Jane (Hardin) Kingsbury.  He grew up near the LaCreek Refuge in Bennett County, SD. He attended LaCreek Country School and later graduated from Bennett County High School in 1957.  Archie then enlisted in the US Navy on January 29, 1958.  He graduated from basic training in Great Lakes, IL.  Upon completion of basic training, he completed training as a radar technician and worked in the electronic lab on the USS Tutuila ARG-4.  This ship could fix and repair any problem that a ship or carrier could have.  Archie was honorably discharged on May 28, 1962 after being extended during the Vietnam War.

Archie's next adventure was installing long-range height finder radar systems along what was known as the "Pinetree Line" near Plentywood, Montana.  These systems were designed to detect and provide early warning in the event of an air attack from Russia.  It was while he was working on this line that he met his soul mate, Eva Anno.  They were introduced by a couple of friends and within 6 weeks, they were engaged to be married.  Eva and Archie were married in the Catholic Church in Plentywood on August 26, 1963.

Once married, the newlyweds could not decide where to settle down--so they flipped a coin.  As the electronic field was starting to boom their options were Heads-California, Tails-Florida.  California won the toss and they made their home in Santa Cruz, California.  They loved it there and lived only 2 blocks from the beach.  It was here that Archie became a scuba diver and deep sea snorkeler.  He was able to dive 50 ft and hold his breath for nearly 5 minutes!  Their two daughters were born in California: Michelle Denise in 1964 and Deborah Fe'  in 1966.

While in California, Archie had an opportunity in his career to be under government contract as a civilian with the United States Air Force.   He spent 6 months in Thailand implementing the first lock on missal targets and other top secret projects on the F-105 Thunderchiefs SAM Hunters at the USAFB in Takhli, Thailand.  He worked closely with the air force pilots.  Archie  was selected to be a member of the prestigious "Wild Weasels".  This was an elite organization that only the pilots could select for members and they picked very few civilians, so he considered this a great honor.  After this experience, he became a small engine airplane pilot.

After his travels abroad, Archie returned to the states and worked as an electronic tech rep for electronic companies.  These were for 6 month interval contracts.  The family moved to St. Louis, MO, Alamogordo, NM, Las Vegas, NV, and Wichita, KS.  When Michelle started first grade, they settled in Santa Clara, CA.  Archie worked as a Senior Product Manager in Silicon Valley.  Life was good there.  Great neighborhood, special neighbors and many great friends that lasted through the years.  Countless weekends were spent at the beach and exploring  Monterey, Halfmoon Bay, Santa Cruz (Beach and Boardwalk), Davenport Landing, and San Francisco.   Archie had built a small boat and would take the family crabbing. He would take his family to Disneyland and Marriott's Great America.  He made sure to ride all the rollercoaster rides with his girls.

At this time, Archie was driving about 2 hours (both ways) to work in Palo Alto which was 7 miles away from home, so in 1979, he decided to move his family to his grandparents (John and Carrie Andresen) ranch 22 miles Northeast of Martin, SD.  His new dream was to raise cattle. Of course, his family knew nothing of country life. He had great neighbors who helped him as he and his wife learned the cattle business.  When they semi-retired, Leo Goss, their long time ranch hand, operated the ranch.  Archie and Eva celebrated 44 years on the ranch until their health declined and became residents of the Custer Care Center and Rehab in May 2024.

When we remember Archie, he loved the Lord, playing the guitar, whiskey, and the simple things in life.  He always picked wild flowers for Eva. After his brandings the neighborhood guys, would get out their guitars and play.  Archie with a glass of whiskey said, "It just doesn't get any better than this!"

He will be missed by his wife of 61 years, Eva and their daughters Michelle (Mark) Winters, Deborah Butcher, Grandchildren Andrea (Anthony) Sterkel, Rachel Winters, Angelica Winters, and Jennifer (Dell) Woods.  Great grandchildren, Myley, Avalynn, Barrett, Charles, and Jacklynn. Sister Jessie Crandall, Sister in laws, Shirley Kingsbury, Dotty Marceau, Mary (Paul) Murk, as well asLeo and Mary Goss, and many nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends.  Archie was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Neva Kingsbury; his brother Kenneth Kingsbury; brothers in law Mick Crandall, Ted Anno, Jack Marceau; father and mother in law, Walt and Louise Anno; sister in law, Mable Lou Anno; son in law, Bill Butcher; and granddaughter, Eva Butcher.

A celebration of life will be held at the new American Legion in  Martin, SD on January 18, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.    Graveside services, military honors and inurnment will follow at the Black Hills National Cemetery on February 14, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. Memorials may be sent to Custer Care and Rehab Center in Custer, SD.  Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home has been entrusted with the services during this time.